Episode #238 - Some Like it Hot

Our three friends are walking through some mountains, and the region
is very warm due to the volcanoes and hot springs in the area. Team
Rocket is bathing in a hot spring when they see the kids passing by, and
debate about going after them when a geyser erupts under them and sends
them blasting off.

The kids see a number of Macargo on their path, a large snail-like
Pokemon. One of them is blocking their way, but when Ash asks it to
move, it blasts them with its Flamethrower. Misty calls out Poliwhirl
and battles it, but Poliwhirl is defeated.

A loudmouthed kid appears and criticizes Misty's technique, claiming
that he's a Pokemon expert. He wants to battle the Macargo himself, but
by this time it has crawled into a cave. The boy then blames Misty for
the Macargo's escape. He introduces himself as Egan, the best Fire
Pokemon trainer around. Misty is skeptical, and the two argue about
which is better, fire or water. They prepare to have a Pokemon battle,
then Egan says this is a waste of his time and chases after the Macargo.
Ash says at least it's out of their way now.

Team Rocket is floating above in their balloon, looking for the
kids. Another geyser erupts, blasting them off again.

Later, Ash and his friends meet Egan again, he's still looking for
the Macargo. As if on cue, it comes out of a cave, and Egan challenges
it. He attempts to battle with his Flareon, but the Macargo withdraws
into its shell, making Flareon's attacks useless. Eventually Flareon is
beaten and the Macargo returns to the cave. Egan and Misty argue again
but Brock breaks it up by suggesting they all have lunch.

Once more, Team Rocket spies on the group. They come up with a plan
to snatch the Macargo and Pikachu after stealing the kids' lunch, but a
Macargo toasts their behinds with a fire attack and they run in a panic.

After lunch, Egan's Flareon is looking better after having some of
Brock's Pokemon food. Egan and Misty set aside the animosity as Egan
says he tends to get caught up in the heat of battle and push his
Pokemon too hard. Misty understands, and explains that she likes Water
types because they can adapt to almost any situation, just like water
can take the form of whatever container it's in.

They hit the road again, and soon Ash spots the Macargo. This time,
Egan is ready. Keeping Misty's words in mind, he changes his tactics
and waits for Macargo to go into its shell. Flareon hops onto its back
and uses Flamethrower to take it by surprise when it comes out. With
his new strategy, Egan is finally able to capture the Macargo!

As he celebrates, however, a metal hand descends from the sky and
snatches the PokeBall containing the Macargo. It's Team Rocket in their
balloon! They don't get far though, because Misty has Poliwhirl use
Water Gun to destroy the robot arm and get the PokeBall back. Egan
releases the Macargo; he and Misty attack Team Rocket together, and
Arbok and Victreebell don't have a chance. Pikachu gets the last word
and sends them blasting off.

Egan thanks everyone their their help. He and Misty agree to settle
their feud another time, and part as friends. The journey continues.